Old Wives Tales

Common beliefs passed down through generations about health, luck and everyday life. Our articles investigate whether there's any truth behind these traditional warnings and superstitions.

Chocolate Causes Spots

Chocolate doesn't actually cause spots, despite what people have believed for decades, here's what really does.

Cut Hair Grows Back Faster

Why hair seems thicker after a cut—and why that's actually just an optical illusion.

Do Birds Flying Into a Home Equate to Death?

A bird in your home doesn't mean death is coming—here's why the superstition persists and what actually brings them inside.

Kissing the Blarney Stone

People travel to Ireland's Blarney Castle to kiss a legendary stone, risking their lives for a supposed gift of persuasive speech.

No Coat in the Cold Causes Pneumonia

Exposure to cold doesn't actually cause pneumonia or colds, despite what many parents believe.

Stepping on a Rusty Nail Causes Tetanus

Stepping on a rusty nail doesn't cause tetanus, the rust isn't the problem, but deep puncture wounds with dirt are.

Use a Match to Remove a Tick

Using a match to remove a tick sounds logical, but it can actually make things worse by causing the tick to release more dangerous saliva.

Waiting After Eating Before Going Swimming

The one-hour waiting rule after eating before swimming is a myth with no scientific basis, so your kids can get back in the water sooner.